Panda photo #398751

[DanielA]

I'm sure people have taken thousands of photos since the panda went on display here.

Here are a few of mine in very difficult circumstances.

Serious reflections...






They seem to like human attention...


More on smugmug.

Daniel

[DebT]

Hi,
a nice collection of shots, you've done well to keep the reflections off the face but still get the catch lights in their eyes, focus and exposure spot on
DebT

[fozzie]

Daniel - you have done well, in view of the present accommodation for the Panda's. Locked up behind glass for Quarantine purposes, but will be in their individual enclosure from 1st January, 2010.

I ended up going to the Zoo with Dave yesterday, and he booked me into see the Panda's. Took two shots, will process tonight, but not expecting them to be any better than yours Daniel, the light reflection is a killer

[surenj]

Feel sorry for the poor thing.

I think you've done well to capture it this well considering the circumstances.

could you use a polariser and off camera flash to improve these shots? Perhaps it's not allowed?

[DebT]

Hi surenj,
flash is not allowed - I tried the CP but little to no advantage. Looking on other sites eg Flickr no one is getting shots as good as these.. even as auto focus is also tricked by the thick glass

DebT

[Bindii]

Damn that glass.. ! Great shots though.. but how cute is he.. I think I'll be asking Santa for one for xmas..

[DanielA]

Thanks everyone.

Fozzie, I wish you luck with your two shots. But I took around 200 and ditched most of them.
200 shots an hour is a little higher than I normally shoot...
It was too dark for my D2Xs, I need a D3. Even using a monopod I was shooting too slow. But the reflections were impossible. I kept waiting for people wearing dark clothing. But most were kids wearing really bright dresses!

Flash would be one way to fix this. But they are very insistent that none be used. They were even offering to help people who don't know how to use their cameras to turn it off.

I didn't have any trouble with focusing, even with the slow 80-400. Just blur due to operator error, panda movement, or silly shutter speeds.


I should point out to anyone thinking of going is to line up early. If you are the last in the line then you might only see the panda for 10 minutes before having to leave (after being in the queue for 50mins). Being at the front of the line give you maximum time.

Daniel